|
6). Carstramon Woods Status: SSSI Access: Open Facilities: Car park Map Reference: 83-NX 592 605 |
|
 |
Covering some 90 ha, Carstramon is the largest of four Oak woodlands in the Fleet Valley and one of the last remnants of the extensive forests which once covered the region. Carstramon survived the felling of the rest of the forest because it was being continually managed for timber production, principly for the production of charcoal. Areas of the wood have been coppiced since the 1600s and it continued to supply a local bobbin mill up until the 1930s. An ancient woodland, the canopy is dominated by Sessile Oak, with a Hazel scrub. Ash, Alder and Wych Elm grow along the stream courses, whilst the wetter areas are dominated by Birch and Ash. The site also has a well developed ground flora which includes Wood Violet, Primrose, Honeysuckle, Wood-sorrel and Climbing Corydalis. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with masses of Bluebells, whilst all year round there is a good range of ferns, mosses and liverworts. The well developed vegetation and mature woodland provides shelter for a wide woodland fauna, including Red Squirrels, and nesting sites for many woodland birds, species now under considerable pressure throughout the UK. Carstramon is particularly notable for its rare invertebrates, which include seven nationally scarce species, ten local rarities and Procas granulicollis, an endemic weevil feeding only on Climbing Corydalis, previously thought extinct it is now known from several sites within Dumfries and Galloway. Photos: D. Heward |